VCL IT and OT Network solutions for the Power and Utility Sector

In the power utility sector, IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) products play an increasingly critical roles in ensuring reliable, cyber safe, and efficient operation of power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.

The IT (Information Technology) Network in a power utility are that organization’s information and communication backbone that caters to its administration, finance, billing, sales and human-resource management functions as well as well as sundry day-to-day communications such as e-mail etc. that form a part of that organization’s daily activities. The IT networks are also used to inter-connect and automate certain business functions such as customer billing, customer service, and accounting. The IT Networks are also required to connect the administration and finance departments of that organization to its data storage network where that organization’s administrative and financial data is stored securely and reliably.

The OT (Operational Technology) Network, on the other hand, is primarily used for controlling the critical power grid functions and operations such as protection, load management and electricity distribution by controlling and managing all the elements that are used in the critical energy infrastructure to ensure that the grid operates smoothly and reliability at all times. It is imperative that the OT (Operational Technology) networks function in real-time with highly predictive reliability because the power grid operates in real-time and its critical parameters must also be monitored and controlled in real-time. The OT communications network is used for inter-connecting utility’s protection relays and well as to monitor and manage its industrial control systems (ICS), Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) etc. Most of the aforesaid OT functions require highly predicable communications that allow their operation in real-time.

The key difference between IT and OT is that IT is focused on an organization's front-end administrative business and informational activities, while OT is focused on inter-connecting and controlling the utility’s back-end infrastructure that must function and operate in real-time.

VCL offers a comprehensive suite of IT and OT products and solutions which are used to provide end-to-end communication, transmission, protection, synchronization and cyber-security for Power Utilities networks.

Commenting on the VCL IT and OT solutions, Mr. Inder Mohan Sood, CEO said “The use of integrated IT and OT products in the power sector is transforming the way energy is generated, transmitted, and distributed. It is enhancing operational efficiency, grid reliability, and operational safety while also paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient, safe and cyber-secure power grid, which is critical to every nation”.

Both IT and OT products serve specific purposes and work together to improve overall performance.

Monitoring and Control: IT products, such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, allow real-time monitoring and control of power generation and distribution processes. OT products, on the other hand, manage the physical components like sensors and control systems. Together, they enable operators to make informed decisions, optimize energy generation, and respond swiftly to faults.

Grid Management and Automation: The integration of IT and OT technologies enables grid automation. This automation enhances the grid's efficiency, reduces downtime, and improves the overall reliability and stability of the power systems and power supply.

Data Analytics and Predictive Maintenance: IT products facilitate the collection, storage, and analysis of massive amounts of data from various sources within the power sector. This data can then be analyzed using advanced algorithms to predict potential failures or maintenance requirements in power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks. Real time maintenance helps reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improves asset efficiency and management.

Cyber security: The power and the utility sector is a critical infrastructure with high vulnerability to cyber-attacks and cyber threats. IT products that are specially designed for power utilities are essential for implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect power systems from cyber-attacks and ransomware-attacks. Combining IT and OT security solutions helps safeguard against potential intrusions, real-time threat analysis, to ensures the integrity, safety and reliability of the power infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency and Demand Response: IT and OT products are instrumental in enabling demand response programs. By using real-time data and analytics, utilities can manage energy demand during peak periods more effectively. This further helps improve energy efficiency and reduces the strain on the power grid.

Renewable Energy Integration: With the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, IT and OT products help manage the variability and intermittency of these renewable energy sources. They assist in balancing energy supply and demand and integrating renewable sources seamlessly into the existing power infrastructure.

Customer Engagement and Billing: IT products provide customer engagement platforms, allowing consumers to monitor and manage their energy consumption, leading to greater awareness and potential energy savings. Additionally, these systems facilitate accurate billing based on real-time consumption data.

Regulatory Compliance: The power sector is subject to various regulations, and compliance is essential to ensure safety and environmental standards. IT products aid in data management, record-keeping, and reporting, which helps utilities meet regulatory requirements effectively.

VCL offer a comprehensive range of IT (Information Technology) Network Products and solutions for Utilities:

1. IP/MPLS Routers (Core, Edge, Access Routers)
2. Hi Security Routers with Firewall functions
3. IEC 61850 Ruggedized Ethernet Switches
4. GPS/GNSS NTP Time Server
5. NTP Sub-Master Clock
6. NAS / SAN, Data Storage Servers
7. Advanced Honeypot, detect firewall breach, detect cyber-attack
8. Network Isolation Switch, create isolation zones

VCL also offer a comprehensive range of OT (Operational Technology) Network Products and solutions for Utilities:

1. IP/MPLS Routers
2. SDH Multiplexers
3. MPLS-TP with SDH Transmission Equipment
4. Teleprotection Equipment (Distance Protection Binary over E1, Optical, IP, 61850-GOOSE)
5. Line Differential Protection IEEE C37.94 over E1, IEEE C37.94 over IP.
6. Phasor Measurement Equipment
7. GPS NTP Time Server and PTP 1588v2 Grandmaster
8. PTP 1588v2 Transparent Clock, PTP 1588v2 Switches
9. PTP 1588v2 Slave Clock
10. IEC 61850 Ruggedized Ethernet Switches
11. PRP / HSR (Redbox) Switches
12. L2 and L3 industrial ruggedized switches
13. NTP to IRIG-B Converter
14. PTP 1588v2 to IRIG-B Converter

Copyright: Valiant Communication Limited

About Valiant Communications: Valiant Communications is a manufacturer and exporter of a comprehensive range of IT and OT products and solutions which are used to provide end-to-end communication, transmission, protection, synchronization and cyber-security for Power Utilities networks. It is an approved manufacturer to various major power utilities across the globe, with track record of successful installations of its communications, transmission, protection, synchronization solutions in more than 5000+ power sub-stations worldwide including at 765kV, 440kV, 400kV, 384kV, 220kV, 132kV, 110kV, 66kV and 33kV power sub-stations.